Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire dancer, bringing you a burst of pink and prance from the sunny streets of Spalding. Yes, you read that right – Spalding! Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Spalding? Isn't that, like, in the middle of nowhere?" And well, yes, geographically speaking, it's pretty central. But let me tell you, darling, this town holds a surprising amount of charm, especially for a tutu-loving gal like myself.
My journey began, as usual, with a touch of romance. I boarded a glorious vintage steam train from the depths of Derbyshire, the rhythmic chug of the engine providing the perfect soundtrack for my swirling dreams of pirouettes. And you know what? I wasn’t alone! Two young ballet dancers, both in gorgeous purple tutus, were headed for a performance in Lincoln. You never know what magic awaits you on the railways, darling!
Now, Spalding might not be renowned for its grand ballet theatres, but that doesn’t mean it's devoid of beauty. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by the sight of the stunning Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens, a Tudor gem bathed in the soft glow of the Lincolnshire sun. Imagine my delight! I knew instantly this would be the perfect backdrop for my green tutu photo shoot. The manicured gardens, with their bright, bold colours, were a sheer delight to photograph. And that verdant green, oh darling, it complemented my tutu so perfectly!
But you see, it wasn’t just about the photo shoot, although those photos are certainly going up on Instagram tonight, darling. No, it was about capturing a certain energy, a vibrancy that resonated with my soul. Spalding had a gentle energy that embraced the simple pleasures – the scent of lavender, the joyous chatter of families enjoying a sunny afternoon, the whisper of wind rustling through the trees.
After a delightful lunch of delicious locally grown strawberries (I simply cannot resist the red of them!), I headed towards The Deepings School for a delightful workshop, run by the fabulously talented, Amelia Grace Dance Academy. I was so impressed with their work, darlings! The energy was incredible, filled with passion, grace and an infectious love for the art form.
It turns out that Amelia Grace is not only a fantastic dance instructor, but also a conservationist at heart! We were chatting after the class about how beautiful the Spalding Wildlife Garden was. Turns out, it's a hidden gem! Imagine: lush greenery, buzzing with bird song and butterflies, even a tranquil pond teeming with life. This green oasis, bursting with vibrant colour, felt like a ballet in itself. The delicate movement of a butterfly's wings, the majestic flight of a swan, even the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind… there was ballet all around us, in the simplest of things.
I swear, darlings, I could have stayed there all day! But alas, the day was nearing its end. Before departing, I made sure to snag a selection of local, handcrafted gifts, made with love in Spalding itself. My pink-tutu collection needs a dash of artisanal charm, wouldn’t you agree?
Leaving Spalding, I felt a touch of melancholia, but with a heart full of warmth. You know, darling, it’s amazing how places can touch us on a deeper level. Even a seemingly ordinary town like Spalding, tucked away in the heart of England, held an incredible spark. The sheer joy of its people, the peaceful charm of its gardens, the beauty of its wildlife, and the passion in every step of a graceful dance... all combined to create a memory that will linger for ages.
My message to you today, darlings, is simple: Don’t limit your search for ballet magic to grand cities and famous theaters. Sometimes, the most captivating moments are waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected of places. So, step out, explore, and let the dance of life take you where you need to go! Remember, life is a dance, and a pink tutu is just the beginning!
Stay fabulous,
Emma
xxx
